What is an integrated graphics card?

My acquaintance with the computer device, called the "integrated graphics card," began with the acquisition of a new motherboard and CPU. Since then, not one year has passed, much has been re-read, even more rethought. In this paper, I'll try in simple language to explain to the reader what an integrated graphics card is. The main shortcomings and Advantages of such solutions. Also we will make a conclusion about their expediency - in which case the integrated graphics card can be an excellent alternative to its discrete counterparts.

In order for an image to appear on the computer monitor, a special control signal must be sent to its electronic circuits. This task is entrusted to the video card. If 10 years ago a computer expert asked to talk about a video card, he would describe a separate device - a special textolite board, with two rows of sliding contacts connecting to the motherboard connector.

Any computer system assumes a design, recruited from individual modules. This allows you to easily upgrade the desired nodes without interfering with the work of others. So, a video card, a sound adapter, a network card, a joystick controller are connected to the motherboard. However, now many of these cards have become integrated.

Do you remember Soviet-era music combines that combine a record player, a tape recorder and a receiver? The same thing is happening now in microprocessor technology: since recently, an interesting solution is massively offered on the market - an integrated video card.

A video adapter in the form of a separate device is called discrete. Such a card can be easily replaced if necessary. But the integrated graphics card upgrades is not subject to. Its electronic components can be placed inside a special chip soldered to the motherboard or be part of the CPU chip. What are the advantages of this solution?

First, by purchasing a motherboard with an integrated graphics card, you can save on purchasing discrete. At least the first time. It is worth noting that the price of solutions with integrated (embedded) cards and without them differs slightly. In addition, many modern processors already have a built-in video core, and it's up to the user to decide whether to use it or not.

Secondly, the power consumption level of the built-in models of video adapters is usually lower than that of discrete ones, which makes it possible to assemble an energy-efficient computer. For example, Intel's integrated graphics card consumes no more than 15 watts. Therefore, the temperature mode is more gentle - you can reduce the number of noisy fans in the system unit.

Thirdly, the number and length of the system bus lines used to interact with the card decreases, which allows for a sharper image, because any additional inductor and capacitor introduce small distortions.

However, the integrated graphics card has two features that do not allow recommending its use to everyone without exception:

- The performance is lower than the bulk of inexpensive discrete devices;

- the possibilities are more modest - for example, when even budget discrete cards supported DirectX 11, the embedded ones implemented only 10.1.

Thus, if the computer is not used for "heavy" games and similar 3D applications, then the integrated solution is the best choice.